Scandinavian Studies 444.
Kalevala and Finnish Folklore. (DuBois) 
(3-4 credits) 

This course looks at the text of the Finnish national epic Kalevala, the folk traditions behind it, and the folk culture of agrarian Finland in general. We examine the intellectual climate of 19th-century Scandinavia which gave rise to both the Kalevala and the academic study of folklore. In addition to exploring the text, we examine other aspects of Finnish folklore, including legends, folktales, jokes, music, and customs. We also explore the traditions of Finnish Americans and the folklore of the technologically advanced and affluent Finland of today.